Top 3 Waterfowl Chokes for the Ithaca Model 87

The Ithaca Model 87 is one of the most popular shotguns for duck and goose hunting. Its versatility allows it to function reliably and smoothly in even the harshest of conditions, but it needs the right choke tube to function effectively.

Several premium chokes are available for the Ithaca Model 87 shotgun and they can mean the difference between bagging and missing birds in the field. The Carlson’s Cremator is the top pick and it can deliver consistent and dense patterns with most steel ammo.

Best Chokes for the Ithaca Model 87

These are the three chokes that you should consider for the Ithaca Model 87 that can produce more consistent results compared to factory choke tubes. Newer style Model 87’s are compatible with the Standard Invector choke systems.

1) Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Cremator choke tube is an excellent choice for hunters who need a versatile choke that can perform well with a variety of shotshell loads. This choke tube uses a unique design that consists of multiple tapers, which work together to provide a consistent shot pattern. This makes the Cremator ideal for hunting situations where you need to be able to adjust your shooting style quickly and accurately.

Carlson’s choke tubes fit Ithaca Model 87 shotguns and their Cremator lineup of chokes happens to work extremely well for ducks and geese. This choke is capable of putting over 80% of pellets in a 30-inch circle at 40 yards consistently with the right ammo. For shots over decoys between 30 and 40 yards, the Cremator is one of the best performing chokes you can get. This is the TOP pick.

Carlson's Cremator Choke Tube - Ported - Ithaca Model 87

30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No...
HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our...
HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's...
LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all...
MADE IN THE USA: All our...

2) Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube

The Patternmaster Code Black is a top-of-the-line choke tube that provides unmatched performance in long-range hunting situations. This choke tube uses a specialized constriction design that helps to control the spread of shot at longer distances. This makes it an ideal choice for waterfowl hunters who need to take shots at moving targets from a distance.

Patternmaster is an extended choke tube with internal studs that halt the wad from the shot column so that it doesn’t interfere with the shot as it leaves the barrel, resulting in better patterns. It fits Ithaca Model 87 shotguns and is a great all-around choke tube for ducks, geese, turkey, and dove out to 50 yards. Expect it to perform closer to a full choke. This is the pick for MAX range.

Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube - Ported - Ithaca Model 87

VERSATILE TUBE - The Code...
ULTIMATE SHOTS - The 12 Gauge...
PATTERN OPTIONS - Thanks to...
UP TO 60 YARDS - Effective...
CONSTRUCTION - Crafted from...

3) Carlson’s TSS Choke Tube

The Carlson’s TSS choke is designed for turkey hunting and is optimized for use with TSS (tungsten super shot) shotshells. It provides a tight pattern and improved range, making it ideal for long-range shots on turkeys. It performs well with both 12 and 20-gauge shotguns and is effective with shot sizes from #7 to #10.

TSS is a dense new tungsten pellet available for turkey hunting and it happens to pattern really tightly with Ithaca Model 87 shotguns. This TSS choke by Carlson’s fits Ithaca’s and can deliver 90% or more of TSS pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. TSS pellets have a density of 18 g/cc which is almost pure tungsten. For comparison, the density of lead is only 11 g/cc.

Carlson's TSS Choke Tube - Ported - Ithaca Model 87

20 GA EXTENDED TURKEY CHOKE...
STAINLESS STEEL CHOKE TUBES -...
CHOKE TUBES FOR YOUR HUNTING...
COMPATIBILITY - The...
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Why you should pick Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube

Carlson’s choke tubes fit securely in Ithaca Model 87 shotguns
Proven design and engineering specs for the Ithaca Model 87
Carlson’s Cremator patterns well at 40 yards and can be extend further
The Cremator package comes with Mid-range and Long-Range tubes
The extended design allows for easy removal and protects the end of the barrel
Cremator works well with steel shot for waterfowl

Features to look for in quality chokes for the Ithaca Model 87

A choke constriction of modified is ideal for producing tight patterns at up to 50 yards
Some choke tubes are designed for specific ammunition can help reduce the amount of patterning involved to find a good setup. Most of the testing has already been completed, take advantage of it
Constructed of high-grade stainless steel (17-4 stainless steel and above are ideal)
Extended choke tubes perform better at longer ranges and can help reduce the need for a choke wrench
Ported chokes can help separate the wad from the shot to help limit flyer pellets downrange and reduce the shot string
Axial ports drilled into the choke can help reduce barrel jump and also reduce recoil
Less expensive chokes can be just as effective as expensive chokes with the right ammo combination
Thick-walled chokes can better withstand high pressures and thick shot columns that could create choke bulging in thin-walled applications.

Types of Chokes for the Ithaca Model 87 Shotgun

Ported vs. Non-ported chokes – Ported chokes have groves and holes that allow for pressure expansion and wad stripping technology to help create better patterns. Non-ported chokes are smoothed walled and can even be flush with the end of the barrel.

Extended vs. flush chokes – All ported chokes are extended chokes. Extended chokes usually extend 1 to 1.5 inches past the end of the barrel. This added barrel length can help improve patterns by increasing the parallel section of the choke tube and allowing space for wad technology to work.

The best chokes for turkey hunting are always extended ported chokes like the Carlson’s Cremator. Extended chokes are ideal for waterfowl and turkey hunting because they provide a platform for tighter constrictions and wad technology improvements beyond that of flush factory chokes.

To harvest waterfowl and old toms at long ranges consistently, an extended ported choke is the best starting point to developing a tight pattern that will produce great results at 50 yards or more.

What to expect

When it comes to choosing the right choke tube for the Ithaca Model 87 shotgun, Carlson’s Cremator stands out from its competitors. The Carlson’s Cremator is engineered with a unique design that provides consistent and even shot patterns, resulting in better accuracy and a higher precision. Unlike its competitors, the Cremator is built with Triple Shot Technology, which ensures that the shot is evenly distributed, reducing the chances of having holes or gaps in your pattern. Additionally, the Cremator’s longer parallel section helps to reduce recoil, which in turn leads to more controlled shots and better follow ups. Overall, the Carlson’s Cremator is a top performer, delivering outstanding results that set it apart from the competition.

Bottom Line

Ithaca Model 87 shotguns are popular due to their functioning reliability for many years. The newer model 87’s have continued with that success. Choosing a choke tube that fits Ithaca Model 87 shotguns can be difficult as not all choke tubes fit these shotguns.

Carlson’s Cremator choke works especially well with the Ithaca Model 87 for waterfowl. It can deliver more consistent and dense patterns with steel shot compared to factory choke tubes. Carlson’s TSS is the choke to get for dense turkey patterns with tungsten super shot.

For an all-around choke tube that fits the Ithaca Model 87, Patternmaster Code Black is hard to beat. Whichever choke you decide on, make sure it’s listed for Ithaca shotguns with the Standard Invector choke system.

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